As the nation observes Holy Week, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, said he continues to pray for the healing of the country and the rest of the world from the sorrow and suffering brought by the coronavirus pandemic.

“Hiling ko ang taimtim at makabuluhang pagdiriwang sa Semana Santa para sa ating lahat. Patuloy natin ipanalangin ang tuluyang paghilom sa lahat ng klase ng sugat at sakit na iniinda ng atin bansa at buong mundo. Pagpalain nawa tayong lahat (May fervent wish is for a solemn and worthwhile observance of Holy Week for all us. Let us pray for the healing of all wounds and sickness being experienced by our country and the rest of the world. May God bless us all),” Sobejana said in his Lenten message sent to reporters on Wednesday night.

As the AFP joins the rest of the Christian world in the annual religious observation, Sobejana urged every Filipino to remember all the sacrifices of Jesus Christ and live in accordance with his teachings.

“Tayo ngayon ay nahaharap sa mga matitinding pagsubok, mas lalo dapat natinng ipadama ang pagmamahal sa atin kapwa. Hindi man natin mayakap at mahagkan ang isa’t isa dahil sa banta ng pandemya, ipadama natin ang init ng atin pagmamahal sa pamamagitan ng pagkalinga sa isa’t isa lalo na sa mga higit na nangailangan (We are now facing severe tests which requires us to show our love to our fellow human beings. We might not be able to embrace and kiss one another due to the threat of the pandemic but we can still show our love to one another for showing care and compassion to each other, especially to those needing it more),” he added.

Sobejana also said despite challenges and hardships, the AFP continues to pray that Filipinos will continue to have strength, clear-mindedness, and genuine compassion in facing the present crisis.

“Maniwala at manalig tayo, lilipas din ang lahat ng ito. Matatapos din ang unos. (Believe and have faith. All of this will come to pass, the storm will soon end),” he added. (PNA)